Flash flooding sweeps Northeast as major roads close, dozens rescued
Flooding closes Long Island Expressway; 69 rescued in Jersey City; warnings span Northeast.
Event / Disaster
Northeast US Severe Storms
Severe storms and possible tornadoes struck the Northeast U.S., producing confirmed tornado damage in Dover, Delaware, possible tornado at Atlantic Beach on Long Island, widespread flooding across New York and New Jersey, power outages, and significant property damage. Emergency response operations included vehicle rescues and declarations of emergency status.
5 reported locations
Daily activity
3 articles0 articles
2026-08-21 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Aug, 13:22 UTC
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What happened
Nassau County declares state of emergency due to severe storms
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency on Thursday following severe storms that damaged property, including the Sun and Surf Beach Club. First responders assisted in rescuing people trapped in vehicles due to flooding on the south shore.
Flash flood warnings issued for eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Thursday as severe storms moved through the region.
Severe flooding closes Long Island Expressway in Queens
Heavy rain caused flooding on the Long Island Expressway in Queens on Thursday, forcing closure in both directions. Photos showed lines of stopped cars as emergency crews waded through water to assist stranded motorists.
Possible tornado strikes Atlantic Beach on Long Island
A possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier on Thursday, tearing apart the Sun and Surf Beach Club. The storm destroyed dozens of cabanas, leaving broken beach chairs and wood beams scattered across the shoreline. No serious injuries or deaths were reported, though property damage was significant.
Confirmed tornado strikes Dover, Delaware with significant damage
A tornado touched down in Dover, Delaware shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, causing significant damage across the city. Roofs at the Days Inn and Super Lodge collapsed or were torn away, with doors, walls and other building parts damaged. Police confirmed the damage pattern was consistent with tornado activity. No serious injuries were reported.
Jersey City emergency crews rescue 69 people trapped in flash flooding
Emergency crews in Jersey City, New Jersey rescued 69 people trapped in cars that had been overtaken by flash flooding on Thursday. Emergency crews waded through roads with knee-high water using small inflatable boats to assist those stranded.
Power outages affect Delaware's capital city
The Delaware Electric Cooperative reported more than 1,000 customers without power in the northern part of its service area following the severe storms on Thursday. Within a few hours, most of the outages had been resolved.
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2 alternative perspectives
Possible tornado hits Atlantic Beach as Nassau County declares emergency
Possible Long Island tornado; Nassau County declares emergency amid severe storms.
Tornado strikes Dover, Delaware with widespread damage and power outages
Tornado strikes Dover, Delaware, causing damage and power outages.